MDOT unveils nearly 40 West Michigan roads projects

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- You asked for road repairs and MDOT is answering. The state released its 2014 Paving the Wayprojects and nearly 40 are on the map for West Michigan.

Perhaps the biggest local project is right through the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, along U.S. 131 and I-196. This is to fix the aging S-Curve.

Expect single-lane closures during off-peak hours and ramp detours on the westbound I-196 to southbound U.S.131 ramp and the eastbound I-196 to southbound U.S. 131 ramp. City ramps will also close for a short time.

You don't have to worry about this project until July 7; it runs until late August.

MDOT is replacing the M-50 bridge—also known as Alden Nash—over I-96 at the Lowell exit. Work is already underway as crews add a center-left turn lane and extend the M-50 eastbound off-ramp. Expect lane closures and traffic shifts during off-peak hours until October.

On Alpine Avenue there's a repaving project from 3 Mile to Alpenhorn Drive. That's a 1.5 mile stretch you will find single-lane closures from August through October.

To the north, there's a major project in Montcalm and Mecosta counties.The state is resurfacing six miles of roads and bridges from April to October. Expect single-lane and ramp closures.

Also, look for many bridge repairs along I-96 and I-196 starting in April in Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties. There are many more projects, big and small. 12 are in the Grand Rapids area. Some start in April, others not until July. This Paving the Way projects will show you all of the state's projects for the year.